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How about pairing aloo gobi with a sweet and aromatic glass of Chenin Blanc or a full-bodied Chardonnay with Indian snacks like samosas, channa bhatura and pao bhaji? A new book called âIndian Food and Wine (Easy Guide to Pairing)' by Michael Swamy makes it all possible. Launched in India by Seagram's Nine Hills' and Om Books International, it is the first book in India that takes a holistic look at pairing the flavours, textures and heat levels of Indian food with wine.

"I have tried pairing Indian food with wine for several years. And finally I seem to have cracked the code. This book allows me to share this knowledge and know-how with other wine enthusiasts and food lovers, by taking it a step further and using wine in cooking Indian food. I hope and feel that pairing Indian food with wine and including wine in recipes will definitely radically alter the dimensions of what we know as Modern Indian Cuisine and put Indian cuisine on the global culinary map." says Chef Michael Swamy, Author of the book âGuide to Pairing Indian Food and Wine'.

'This book is representative of our plans to engage, educate and enthral the Indian wine drinker in new ways. Seagram's Nine Hills has always been known for its variety of quality and award-winning wines, and now it's time to bring the experience to the consumer in their homes.' says Mr. Adrian Pinto, Senior Manager, Wines, Pernod Ricard India.

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British retailer Marks & Spencer has collaborated with India's wine producer Sula Vineyards for a new offering, Jewel of Nasik.

Jewel of Nasik has three varieties - Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel Rose and Tempranillo Shiraz - available in 250 stores across Britain.

âWe are thrilled to be the first Indian wine to feature in the selection of the world renowned retailer Marks and Spencer," Rajeev Samant, founder and CEO, Sula Vineyards, said in a statement.

Emma Dawson, Marks & Spencer's wine buyer, is also excited about offering customers the brand's first Indian wines. âThey are all from the Nasik region north east of Mumbai, a region with 600 meters altitude, historically known for table grapes but which provides good climatic conditions for viticulture to make wine too," she said.

She also said that the wines are suitable to drink as an aperitif or in styles that match well with Indian food.

Source: IANS, New Delhi

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10th Annual Metro Chef Awards 2013 were hosted by Indian Culinary Forum recently in the Capital. The chefs who showcased their culinary art skills at the challenge were bestowed with awards on the occasion of International Chefs Day. The chief guest at the award ceremony was Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Hon'ble Minister for HRD.

From January 2014, The Taj Group will re-launch St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, London, while Taj's existing London hotel, 51 Buckingham Gate Taj Suites and Residences will be renamed Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences, following a phased renovation plan and introduction of enhanced luxury standards.

At both hotels, guests can benefit from specially tailored treatments at the Wellness Centre and a host of on-site dining options, including Michelin-star cuisine at Quilon - where the chef has bought south-west coastal Indian cuisine from the villages of Kerala to the heart of Westminster.

In order to present these changes to the Indian hospitality market, the Taj Group, in partnership with British Airways, hosted a road show at The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi and Mumbai.

Mr. Digvijay Singh, General Manager, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences and St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, London, mentioned that "India has always been a significant market for the UK. We are delighted to be here in India to showcase a flavour of what the magnificent city of London and our hotels can offer. I am here to invite each one of you to be our esteemed guests and enjoy the enhanced experiences our team has put together for you."

Twenty nine years after establishing the iconic Dhaba by Claridges, the Hotel is set to recreate the same magic again. The Claridges has now brought this very unique dining experience outside the fold of the Hotel by unveiling its outlet in DLF Place, Saket.

The idea behind the restaurant was to recreate the quintessential dhaba experience in a five-star setting. Complete with a truck mural, rustic interiors and servers dressed in traditional Punjabi costumes, the restaurant oozes with a rustic feel.

It has a modern twist in its menu with options like Snacky Bun Omelettes, Rolls and street food, alcohol-infused Chuskis and signature cocktails at the bar christened âTheka'.

The menu includes typical rustic dishes like Kanastari Baingan (Baingan ka Bharta served in a copper canister), Dhaba Chilli Chicken, Golgappe ki Chaat,Vada Pav, Keema Pav, Pav Bhaji etc. Desserts like Bailey's Kulfi, Pista Kulfi and sugar-free ice-creams are available. The meal is rounded off with Desi Paan made by the famous Panditji, whose shop outside The Claridges Hotel is as iconic as the hotel itself.

The open area outside includes the biggest LED screen in Delhi-NCR. The restaurant serves world cuisine. The launch was attended by Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Honorable Cabinet Minister, Goverment of India, Mr. Kuldeep Sharma, Honorable Speaker, Haryana and Mr. Sumit Gaur, Youth Icon, Haryana, among other guests from the fashion and film industry.

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The California Boulevard, a new restaurant in Delhi opens at Rajouri Garden. Right from Asparagus Aragula Salad to Penang Curry Laksa, delicacies from within eleven cuisines are in the offing.

And then, you have a carefully curated wine menu that ranges between all your choices from whites around the world to single malts and signature TCB cocktails like Moonwalk and Sinful Apple.

While somewhere you are still craving for that one dish you had at a Baron's summer retreat in the Black Forests of Germany, think no more; your wish is the chef's command! At the Chef's Table you can relive the most exotic of your vacations once again.

Where: J 2/5, B.K. Dutt Market, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi

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Spaghetti Kitchen launches an all new buffet- Gusto D' Italia, offering its patrons a chance to savor an assortment of Italian delicacies at their table with unlimited servings and a new menu every week.

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Bill Marchetti, Master Chef Spaghetti Kitchen said âWe are very pleased and delighted to introduce the Gusto D' Italia. It is a perfect opportunity for food lovers to experience the diverse and authentic flavors of Italy at the comfort of their table. With Gusto D' Italia we wish to let our patrons explore Italian cuisine lovingly prepared by our Chefs amidst the warm and inviting ambience of Spaghetti Kitchenâ.

New Delhi, October 12th , 2013: Hundreds of citizens from Delhi and the National Capital Region gathered at Nehru Place, New Delhi and marched to Monsanto' office at the International Trade Tower to issue an Eviction Notice to the company and demand that safe food and safe water be made a fundamental right for all Indians.

The March was a part of a global initiative where in people around the world came together as a global family to claim the right to safe, pesticide-fee & GMO(Genetically Modified Organisms)-free food and to say no to profiteering organizations like Monsanto that develop, unethically promote and force dangerous foods on the world.

The march in New Delhi was organized by the web group, âPublic Awareness on Genetically Modified Foodsâ and supported by the India for Safe Food movement.

The group convener, Rachna Arora said that the efforts of this group are directed towards bringing about awareness amongst urban consumers regarding the hazards & risks of chemical agriculture & cultivation of genetically modified hybrid crops via sharing of information, literature, scientific reports, national and international developments etc. over social media and otherwise.

Some of the demands of the assembly were:

1. Safe food and safe water to be made a fundamental right for all Indians.

2. The Government of India should terminate all anti-ecological and anti-people agricultural agreements with the US.

3. Develop and implement policies to promote ecological, sustainable and safe agriculture keeping in mind the interest of the Indian citizens and farmers.

4. Cease spending public funds on promoting the agro-chemicals and seeds of companies like Monsanto, Syngenta and Du-pont in the country.

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QualityNZ celebrated its launch in the Indian market alongside NZ cricketers like Brendon McCullum, Stephen Fleming and Daniel Vettori.

The event hosted at the New Zealand High Commission introduced lamb, salmon and wine products in the Indian market. A live kitchen was set up where Chef Ritu Dalmia led interactive cooking demonstrations.

Commenting on the launch, Brendon McCullum, said: âWe are proud of the fact that QualityNZ is New Zealand's first food and beverage company to be based in India, soon to be supplying the country's magnificent five-star hotel sector and the fast growing organised retail market with our premium products from New Zealand.â

Fish & More, an entrepreneurial idea that brings you fresh fish and seafood, has launched its first boutique here.

The store was launched here earlier this month.

Experts are also present to help buyers get the right kind of fish. Pure RO water and ice made with RO water are used to preserve the seafood, and each day there is a fresh catch, said a statement.

Fish & More is a startup promoted and backed by angel investment from Ncubate India Services Pvt. Ltd., a part of the SAR Group and operating partners who have established experience of handling food brands and retail operations in India and abroad.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a signature espresso blended with the unmistakable spices of the season - cinnamon, nutmeg and clove; with steamed milk, sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. Served hot or cold, the Pumpkin Spice beverages can be best paired with the mouth-watering Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin or Pumpkin Spice Pie.

These scrumptious offerings are available across all stores in India only in September and October.

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Bubble Teas is a cafe with an elaborated mix of Global beverages and food. Bubble Teas is a first of its kind concept in Delhi.

Bubble tea is a universal drink. It is a blend of tea and fresh fruits poured over tapioca pearls.

Bubble Teas gives you the option of choosing your own flavours, size etc. It is made with the mix of fruits and different flavours blended with tea. It is completely non aerated and is not the regular tea or ice tea. One can choose from different variety of flavours that include favorites like Mango, Taro, Cappuccino, Strawberry, Papaya, Chocolate, Blueberry, Coconut, Peach, Mixed berry, Honey Dew, Matcha Green tea, Caribbean chocolate floater etc. Also available is the option of getting your customized beverages. You can also pick from Bubbleteas specials like Walnut Brownie Shakes, Hazelnut & Caramel Mix, Chilled Green Tea with Lemon and Honey, Cucumber Iced tea etc.

The food menu at the cafe embodies the golbal spirit. Continental classics share space with Mexican and Italian preparations. Baked pastas, croissants special- mushroom filled or chicken filled, satay international- from Japanese yakotori to Malaysian, pizzas and more. For health freaks, they offer grilled subs where in veggies and chicken are grilled in front of you.

After being a hit in Gurgaon, Bubble Teas opens its new outlet in Meherchand Market.

Address: SF-91 Galleria Market, First Floor, Gurgaon 0124-4105909

147, Meharchand Market, Lodhi Road, Behind Indian Habitat Centre.

Contact: 0124 4105909

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Ritu Dalmia introduces a modern Asian cuisine restaurant in the up-market area of Defence Colony that shares space with the retail luxury fashion boutique Kitsch launched by Priya & Charu Sachdev of TSG International. Housed in an old bungalow with the ground floor serving as the Kitsch's first standalone boutique and the first floor and terrace devoted to Diva Kitsch (the restaurant), this endeavor offers a unique lifestyle experience that bridges the love for fashion, art and food.

For the cuisine at Diva Kitsch, Ritu Dalmia draws her inspiration from her travels across Asia; aromas, sights and sounds of street hawkers in Vietnam and food markets in Thailand. Some recommendations from Ritu include the malay roti, panko crusted taro, DIVA's unique take on the chicken satay, yellow fin tuna burger, lobster laksa, blackened chicken and jackfruit curry.

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As part of 'A New Perspective' event series which highlights local artists and guests to gather new insights and stimulate dialogue, Le Meridien New Delhi partnered with Gallery Espace to delve into the master pieces of Suddhasattwa Basu and Mala Marwah. In order to offer a new perspective to guests, Nicola Scognamiglio, the barista trainer from illy, was also invited to offer insights into the hotel's unique coffee culture.
The event aimed at blending art with the demonstration of four different styles of coffee - Cappuccino Vienesse, Espresso Greco, Marocchino Caldo and Cappuccino Freddo.

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Start your day with a healthy breakfast that consists of fruits in crunchy form.

Gaia, which produces a range of nutritional supplements and natural substitutes to aid the body's natural regeneration, has launched Crunchy Muesli Real Fruit.

It is a combination of healthy multi-grains and pieces of fruits like papaya, apple, pineapple and raisins, said a statement.

The oats, wheat and corn flakes are rich in fiber and the fruits will help to nourish the body, apart from adding flavour to breakfast.

Available in two pack sizes, Gaia Crunchy Muesli Real Fruit is priced at Rs.380 and Rs.185.

Source: IANS, New Delhi

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We often feel guilty after consuming a few cubes of chocolates. Now, you can indulge in dark chocolates, which are health and pocket-friendly.

Frozen yogurt retail chain Cocoberry's new zero sugar dark chocolate will win the hearts of health conscious people with a sweet tooth.

"Our chocolate has beaten Swiss and other International brands in blind taste tests and unlike imported brands, does not melt in warmer temperature," Cocoberry CEO Rahul Deans said in a statement.

The sugar-free chocolates are available in regular and roasted almond variants. The prices start from Rs.119.

Source: IANS, New Delhi

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Now try natural ice creams in flavours like South Indian coffee and watermelon.

Natural ice cream brand Pabrai's Fresh and Naturelle is offering South Indian coffee flavour. Coffee beans have been roasted to perfection to give a genuine coffee flavour and aroma, said a statement.
Watermelon ice cream is another flavour that the brand has launched. With small pieces and pulp of the fruit, this flavour is surely going to remind you of the thirst- quenching fruit.

Vivanta by Taj â Gurgaon, NCR launches the third Thai Pavilion in India. Thai Pavilion at Vivanta by Taj â President, Mumbai was the country's first and one of the best Thai restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine.

In the early 1990s celebrity Chef Ananda Solomon introduced the Thai Pavilion to the country and established it as a âculinary destination' for food connoisseurs.

The new Thai Pavilion is an essence of 15 years of extensive research by Chef Ananda and his team. The use of authentic hand-pounded spices such as Thai holy basil, mint, cilantro, lemongrass, and galangal (Thai ginger), and premium ingredients such as Australian lamb chops, Pan Grilled Scallops with Orange, Crispy Soft Shells Crabs (Poo Nim Krob) and Bamboo Fungus ensure that guests are served the most exotic fare that is traditional yet enhanced with a touch of modernity.

The show stealers in the menu are innovative recipes like Duck Liver, Foie Gras with Sea Asparagus in Mango Sauce and Pia Nueng Manao (steamed John Dory with coriander, Chilly, peanut in a tangy sauce). A must-try is the Green Thai Curry, tempered with coconut milk and flavoured with lime leaves and unripe green peppercorns, or the classic Thai-style Roasted Duck on a bed of Spinach.

The fifth Smoke House Deli in India has been launched at Hauz Khas village.
In continuation of the Smoke House Deli's sketchbook language, the walls are covered in hand-drawn illustrations, inspired by the history of Hauz Khas Village and its surroundings. Designer and typographer Kriti Monga is the one behind the beautiful handiwork you see on the walls.
The entire restaurant space is wrapped with teak wooden panelling. It has Jaisalmer stone flooring to give the guests a heritage feel to the space.
Hours: 10:30 am to 1:00 am
Location: 12, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi-16
In picture: Amaan Ali Khan, musician
The launch was attended by Delhi's most favorite faces. See who all attended the launch in the next few slides.

The Asia Seven menu will now see an addition of a wide array of dishes with an emphasis on authentic Chinese dishes.
Additionally, Asia Seven has appointed the acclaimed chef - Chow Man as the new head chef. Chef Chow Man is an internationally respected chef who has spent 30 years in his culinary journey specializing in Hunan, Sichuan & Cantonese cuisines.
Thrilled with the outcome of the new menu, Chef Chow Man said âWe have tried to bring new and more authentic flavors to the Asia Seven menu. I have personally handpicked key ingredients from Ghuangzou, Sichuan & Hunan region of China. Our seafood flavors are from Hong Kong origin.â
Some of the items on the new menu are - Buddha Style Vegetables, Sweet and Sour Pork, Imitated Shark Fin, Poached Chicken Soup With Sesame Oil, Five Spice Roasted Chicken, Singapore Style Chili Crab, Ebi Tempura, among others.
In picture: Chicken with dry chili szechwan pepper and soy, braised pork with chu hou sauce and fish three flavors.

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A group of 13 New Zealand food & wine producers are in India, sponsored by Australia and New Zealand Banking Corporation Limited.
The business mission was launched this week with a cooking demonstration featuring New Zealand products and was hosted by Indian celebrity chef, Kunal Kapur, in New Delhi.
âWe are excited to bring a variety of New Zealand food and beverage companies to India in partnership with ANZ. Indians are already enjoying high quality, safe and delicious products from our country and we are looking forward to sharing more in the future,â says Richard White, New Zealand's Trade Commissioner to New Delhi.
The ANZ sponsored delegation led by Sunil Kaushal, Head of India Relations, ANZ New Zealand will be in India from 19 April to 27 April and will be visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
In photo: The ANZ team with Chef Kunal Kapur, Jan Henderson, New Zealand High Commissioner to India and Richard White, New Zealand's Trade Commissioner to New Delhi at the New Zealand High Commission during a dinner hosted for the visiting New Zealand F&B companies.

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Get ready for an oriental journey of food at the very new Fat Ninja, a Pan-Asian restuarant in New Delhi. The Restaurant brings a treat of culinary delights and serves Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, Japanese, Malaysian, Burmese & Vietnamese Cuisines.

Amongst the offerings on the menu are Fresh Spring Rolls, Tofu Katsu, Crispy Spinach and Bird's Prawns (in picture) to start the proceedings. A hearty soup such as Tom Kha, Khao Suey or Chicken Dumpling Clear Soup can do wonders for the appetite. The main course includes Shredded Chicken Cantonese, Crispy pork, Slice Chicken with Water Chestnut, Green and Red curry to name a few.

Address - 26, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, India

Contact - 097 11 993266

Meal for two : Rs.1200

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Look what we spotted at the dinner table of AXN's Hannibal premiere at New Delhi! A blood red mousse with spikes â aligning effortlessly with the theme of the premiere â horror.

The original series âHannibal' airs on AXN every Friday at 10 PM, close to the US premiere and stars Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale, A Royal Affair), Hugh Dancy (King Arthur, Black Hawk Down) and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix, CSI)

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Indulge in your favorites, as well as sample some inspiring cocktail options. The Smoke House Cocktail Club offers 1 + 1 on all smoked classics, molecular creations as well as the seasons' juicy best available on this new menu.

The launch event brought together achievers from all walks of life over an evening of savoring award winning cocktails like Watermelon Caipiroska, Smoked Melon Martini, Comfortably Plum, Watermelon Martini, Smoked Pineapple Mojito etc.

Vikas Khanna who also unvelied his book cover at the event, said âWe hear people say âcook from your heart', but Khanna Sutra is all about letting your heart cook for you. And that is exactly what Celeste offers to people from all walks of life who want to experience bliss in chocolates. Love and chocolates has always been a beautiful concoction.â

Located at The Village Restaurant Complex next to Siri Fort Auditorium (New Delhi), this 150 seater fine dining restaurant came into existence in 1983 and initially specialized in authentic Chinese food. But with changing times and changing palates, it explored into the vast South East Asian cuisines.

This three times winner of the renowned Hotel & Food Service Award for its fine oriental cuisine will take you to an extraordinary journey of flavors of an Oriental kitchen. It has managed to keep up its legacy for the past three decades and successfully holds on to its loyal patrons while catering to the tastes of the new age food lovers.

Raveena Tandon at Tikka Town with Managing Director Mohnish Thadani at the launch of Tikka Town, Pune.

Old World Hospitality franchised its QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) brand Tikka Town recently to Mohinish Thadani, the well-known entrepreneur and food enthusiast of Pune, and opened its outlet in Inorbit Mall.

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Raveena Tandon with Executive Chef Rajiv Malhotra and Managing director Mohnish Thadani.Mohinish Thadani, Managing Director, Tikka Town, Pune says, âI wanted to bring the very best in hospitality to Pune and Old World Hospitality was the obvious choice. I am very excited with the initial response and am hopeful for its success. We shall be opening more units shortlyâ

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Raveena Tandon serves chaat to the diners at Tikka Town.

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An acknowledged foodie, Raveena tasted an assortment of kebabs, kathi rolls, paranthas and chaat. She said, âThese are among the best kebabs I've had in a long time â juicy and tender. The chaat is exceptional too! I will probably land up eating here whenever I am in Pune. I wish Tikka Town huge success and Puneris are lucky to be able to enjoy such good food at very affordable prices.â